Path to Strength

"Becoming a Kengan fighter seems more and more enjoyable to me."

In front of a mansion, an awestruck Yuji gazed at the residence with respect. Pulling a piece of paper from his pocket, he immediately confirmed that address as the house where Mokichi Robinson lived.

He was initially shocked, but after remembering that Mokichi was known for not losing once in nearly 40 fights, he put his shock aside. Kengan fights paid well, especially for the champions, so it was understandable that Mokichi was able to make so much money.

With a nod of agreement, in front of the mansion gate, Yuji rang the intercom, quickly receiving a response almost as if they were expecting his arrival.

"Yuji Shinakawa, right?" A male voice sounded from the audio box, his words causing the boy to raise an eyebrow in suspicion. "Mister Mokichi has previously warned us of your presence, please continue."

The gate opened automatically, Yuji watching this with a pleasant smile on his face as he walked toward the mansion.

'It looks like I'm going to enjoy spending some time around here. '

.

.

.

With his knees propped up on a cushion, Yuji stood in front of a table, his eyes roaming the place, which he recognized as a traditional Japanese living room. He could not help but praise the appearance in his mind.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Turning his gaze to the entrance of the room, Yuji watched Mokichi arrive with his usual calm expression. The man, unlike when he was fighting, wore social clothing.

"It is good to be able to meet you properly, Shinakawa." Resting his knees on his own pillow, Mokichi spoke as he bowed in greeting.

"Oh, I say the same, Mister Robinson." Yuji bowed shortly thereafter.

Mokichi smiled slightly, appreciating the boy's good manners.

"No need for formalities, you can call me Mokichi."

"Well, since that's the case, then you can call me Yuji."

With the mutual consent of the two, the atmosphere immediately changed abruptly as it became even more comfortable. Mokichi was someone very easy to talk to, and his calmness could not have been more relaxing to Yuji. He reminded him of his master, and this served to leave a good impression of the man in his mind.

A few minutes passed, and the two began to chat like old friends would after some time without seeing each other, at some point the butlers of the mansion serving them tea, causing them both to enjoy the drink while continuing their dialogue.

"I see that you are a rather talented martial arts practitioner. From what I noticed in our fight, you use a mixture of boxing and Jeet Kune Do, right?" Sipping his tea, Mokichi asked.

Yuji was not surprised, after all, even he was able to discover someone's martial art through his posture, footwork and center of gravity.

"You are right, I have been practicing both for some time."

Mokichi, who finished his tea in one last sip, placed the cup on the table carefully, his eyes landing on Yuji, a small smile appearing on his lips.

"I see." He nodded in agreement. "From what I gather, you seem to be a pretty competitive kid, don't you?"

Remembering the moment he first used [Advance], Yuji scratched the back of his head as he let out a light laugh.

"I really didn't want to lose that time."

Yuji shrugged.

With a satisfied nod, Mokichi faced the boy with a serious look, surprising Yuji, who, although he found it sudden, was not startled because he sensed no malice from the man.

"So, Yuji, I realize that I ended up prolonging this conversation for quite some time, and ended up not bringing up the subject that made me invite you." Yuji agreed with the man's words, finishing his tea in one gulp as he put his attention on his next words.

"Would you be interested in learning my style?" Mokichi asked, his hand raising as he quickly seemed to come back with his own words. "Let me rephrase my question. Would you, Yuji, like to learn Baritsu?"

Yuji upon hearing the question, just closed his eyes as he seemed to think deeply about the proposal. Since he received Baritsu from the system, he didn't need someone teaching him, but the fact that Mokichi was one of the greatest fighters in the Kengan arenas, and also much more experienced than him, the idea of having him as a master didn't seem unpleasant at all. His growth with Baritsu, though gradual, was slow, because without someone to guide him, he could only practice what he already knew, hoping that the style would eventually rise to the next level.

That was like shooting in the dark.

Receiving the teachings of someone who could already be considered a master of the style would help him improve extremely fast, and he couldn't let an opportunity for empowerment like this slip through his hands.

But something was poking at his mind from the moment he received the proposal, and he couldn't stop his curiosity from doing better about it.

"Mokichi, I would certainly like to learn your style, but something is making me curious. Why precisely do you want me to become your disciple?"

With a defeated sigh escaping Mokichi, the elder crossed his arms while he had a complicated expression on his face.

"I am the last practitioner of Baritsu, and although initially I could not bear to learn it, I have learned to appreciate the style due to one person."

Mokichi began to explain, Yuji placing a hand on his chin as he shook his head at everything the man said, clearly interested in his explanation.

"But although I appreciate it, I could not pass it on to my family..."

As Mokichi was speaking, he suddenly stopped when his eyes landed on something behind Yuji, a loving smile appearing on his lips, which caused the boy to immediately turn around to see what had caused the man such a reaction.

"Little brother?"

A frail-looking girl stood in the hallway, looking at the two of them with interested eyes. Her hair was long and blond, and her eyes were blue. Yuji couldn't help but appreciate her appearance for a good few seconds.

"Elena!" With a happy, but still calm tone, Mokichi spoke. "I am just talking to a friend."

Yuji nodded with a friendly smile, the girl's expression brightening at hearing her brother's words.

"A friend? You've never brought a friend here before!" She approached while hiding her hands, waving them animatedly.

'Cute.' The thought popped into Yuji's mind, the boy appreciating the innocent attitude of the girl who seemed to take an interest in him.

For a moment, Elena's eyes landed on Yuji, a thoughtful expression on his face, before being replaced by an excited face.

"You look my age!"

'I know I'm short, you don't have to remind me of that.'

Shaking his head in sadness, he turned his gaze to the girl with a small smile.

"My name is Yuji Shinakawa, it's a pleasure." Tenderly, the boy introduced himself as he bowed to the girl.

Elena, who let out a giggle with her good manners, bowed at the same time as the boy in greeting.

"It's a pleasure, my name is Elena Robinson."

Having lived in a mansion and been taught etiquette from a very young age, Elena knew how to behave elegantly in front of other people, her attitude enhancing her innocent beauty.

Mokichi, who saw Yuji's interaction with his sister, was unable to stop the dangerous aura from escaping his body, especially after noticing the tone Yuji used to introduce himself. The boy, who immediately sensed the intent on his back, slowly turned around to see a blackened Mokichi with his face.

"Tell me, Yuji. Would you like me to show you some techniques?"

Yuji shivered as he heard Mokichi's deadly calm tone of voice, sweat beading down his forehead as he cracked a nervous smile.

'Overprotective with his sister.... Noted.'

"Little brother!" Elena suddenly called out, her cheeks puffed up as her arms were crossed over her small mounds.

Mokichi, who heard his sister's reproachful voice, immediately returned to his usual state as he looked away.

'Thank you, Elena.' Yuji thanked the girl in his mind as he let out a relieved sigh.

"Oh, I have to go to my cooking class." Elena spoke as her eyes landed on the clock in the room for a few seconds. "Behave yourself, little brother!"

With a parting nod to the two in the room, she walked off, after a few seconds getting out of Yuji's sight.

With a sigh, Mokichi crossed his arms as he stared at the table.

"I think I understand." Suddenly, Yuji spoke, causing the elder to turn his attention back to him.

"You don't want your sister to get involved in the world of fighting.... That is why you have chosen not to teach her, in an attempt to keep her as protected as possible. Am I right?"

Mokichi was silent for several seconds, a gentle smile appearing on his lips.

"That is correct."

The man stood up, and Yuji seeing this, did the same, his height paling compared to Mokichi.

"You caught my attention because I can see incredible potential in you. In addition, it was not difficult to gather some information about you. I still don't trust you completely, but...". Yuji felt as if the last part was due to the events of a few minutes ago, but he ignored the feeling as he continued to listen. "But that can be resolved in time, can't it?"

Opening a smile, Yuji nodded in agreement, drawing a friendly smile from the blond.

[Congratulations on becoming a disciple of Mokichi Robinson!]

[By being the Vicar Exterminator's apprentice, you gain an advantage]

[His learning about Baritsu is considerably accelerated by receiving instruction from Mokichi]

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Here is chapter 31! I hope you enjoy the reading. Unfortunately there won't be a new chapter tomorrow, but that's for a noble cause after all.

If you are interested in supporting me, my p@treon is: [email protected]/TheJiujitsuGuy. There you will receive advance chapters to enjoy.